Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
FN Herstal has introduced a new self-powered shot counter for the FN Scar family of rifles called FN SmartCore.
The system uses fully automated software to provide precise information about a firearm. It acts as an electronic logbook of the maintenance history of the firearm, along with information such as the number of shots (blank, live and dry firing being discriminated) fired, its base location, whom it is issued to and its operational condition.
The device is located inside the lower receiver of the weapon and detects firing by using the rearward movement of the moving parts. It requires no battery.
The system can collect information automatically or upon request with no impact on the user’s mission. Any data is transmitted wirelessly at short-range only and upon request, ensuring it is undetectable and there is no unintentional emission.
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
Framework contracts and leasing options aim to shorten acquisition timelines, while manufacturing partnerships could help suppliers scale production to meet allied demand.
The US is pursuing multiple UGV programmes, from commercial robotic platforms to new autonomy technologies. The combination of these efforts could prove key to turning ambition into operational capability.
NATO is looking to artificial intelligence to provide integration between different C2 systems to create a common operational picture, potentially offering a faster route to interoperability than the slow-moving processes of NATO standards committees.
The large-scale exercise in Latvia was the culmination of three experimentation initiatives to see how platforms, weapons and systems could fit into the alliance’s Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative. As well as forces, it brought together companies and equipment.
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.